System and method of configuring a network

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for configuring a network are provided. A method may include monitoring properties of a connection between a computing device and a network. The method may also include detecting a change in the properties of the connection. The may also include verifying the connection to the network is provided by a service provider when the change in the properties is detected and providing network configuration options based on the change.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to networks and to configuring a network.

BACKGROUND

Computers increasingly are being used to connect to a network. Particularly, computers are frequently used in conjunction with wireless home networks to access a public network, such as the internet. However, a user may not be aware when the connection to the public network has changed. In addition, the user may not be aware that the network may need to be configured. Further, some users find it difficult to configure the network themselves, which can result in costly support calls to an internet service provider or a manufacturer of network component. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method of configuring a network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a network and a system to configure the network;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a first illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a second illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a third illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a method may include monitoring properties of a connection between a computing device and a network. The method may also include detecting a change in the properties of the connection. The may also include verifying the connection to the network is provided by a service provider when the change in the properties is detected and providing network configuration options based on the change.

In another particular embodiment, a method operable by a processor in a computing device may include installing a software program on the computing device. The software program to provide access to a network. The method may also include detecting, during installation of the software program, a router coupled to the computing device. The method may also include detecting data to indicate that the router is to be configured and providing configuration options for the router.

In another particular embodiment, a system may include a transceiver, a processor coupled to the transceiver, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory including instructions executable by the processor to monitor properties of a connection between the transceiver and a network in real-time. The memory further including instructions executable by the processor to detect a change in the properties of the connection. The memory further including instructions executable by the processor to verify the connection to the network is provided by a specific service provider when the change in the properties is detected and provide network configuration options.

In yet another particular embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided having instructions for causing a processor to execute a method. The method may include installing a software program on a computing device, the software program to provide access to a network. The method may also include detecting, during installation of the software program, a router coupled to the computing device. The method may further include detecting data to indicate that the router is to be configured.

Referring to FIG. 1, a network is illustrated and generally designated 100. The network 100 includes a computing device 102 coupled to a router 106 via a wire connection 104. In a particular embodiment, the router 106 may be a wireless router able to wirelessly communicate with a computer 110, a portable computer 114, a handheld device 118, such as cell phone or personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other wireless device 122. The computer 110 may be coupled to a printer 130. The portable computer 114 may be coupled to a printer 132 and a printer 134. In a particular embodiment, the network may be a local area network (LAN). In another particular embodiment, the LAN may be at a location, such as an office or residence, of a subscriber to a service provider.

The router 106 may be coupled to a modem 107 that can communicate with a service provider 109, such as an internet service provider (ISP), over a private network 108. The router 106 and the modem 107 may be located in a single device. The service provider 109 may be coupled to a public network 105, such as an internet protocol (IP) network. The service provider 109 may assign a public internet protocol address to the modem 107. The router 106 may have a private IP address to allow the computing device 102, the wireless device 122, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, and the handheld device 118 to share a connection between the modem 107 and the service provider 109.

In a particular embodiment, the router 106 may be coupled to a media extender 111. The media extender 11 may allow media center capabilities to be centralized. For example, the media extender 111 may allow sharing of media files between all of the devices on the network. The media extender 111 may also be a media gateway or a digital media receiver. The media extender 111 may retrieve media files (music, pictures, video, etc.) by browsing file trees and using metadata to organize media files. In addition, the media extender 111 may connect wirelessly or through a wired connection to other devices, such as computing device 102, the wireless device 122, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, and the handheld device 118. In another particular embodiment, the media extender 111 and the router 106 may be located in a single device.

A software module 140 may be implemented on the computing device 102, the wireless device 122, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, the handheld device 118, the media extender 111, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the software module 140 may be a module of a service provider installation software. In another particular embodiment, the software module 140 may be a stand-alone software module, which may be installed on the computing device 102 from a compact disc (CD), a downloadable file, or any other installation means.

During operation, the software module 140 may monitor when the router's 106 configuration has changed or when a router is added to the network 100. In a particular embodiment, the software module 140 may automatically detect when the router's 106 configuration has changed or when a router has been added to the network 100. The software module 140 may notify a user of the computing device 102 that a new router or a router configuration change was detected. The software module 140 may query a user if they would like assistance configuring the router. When the software module 140 receives an indication that the user would like help configuring the connection, the software module 140 may provide selectable configuration options to the user via the computing device 102.

The configuration options may include selectable options to configure settings of the router 106. The configuration options may also include selectable options to repair any problems with the connection to the service provider 109. The configuration options may also include selectable options to implement features such as security, file-sharing, or print sharing. For example, the security features may include encryption, a password protection, a firewall, or any combination thereof. In another example, the print sharing features may allow the printers 130, 132, and 134 to be configured for shared printing via the router 106.

In a particular embodiment, the configuration options may include configuring a network address translation (NAT) setting, such as enabling or disabling a NAT feature. The configuration options may also includes configuring a stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall. The configuration options may allow the SPI firewall to be enabled or disabled. The configuration operations may also allow settings of the SPI firewall to be modified.

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart of a first illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network is depicted and generally designated 200. The method 200 can be executed via a software module at a computer capable of connecting to the network, such as the computing device 102, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, the handheld device 118, or the wireless device 122 shown in FIG. 1.

The method 200 includes determining if the computer is connected to a network, at 202. In a particular embodiment, the network may be a public network, such as the public network 105 shown in FIG. 1. The connection may be detected by determining an IP address assigned to a modem or router, such as the modem 107 or router 106 shown in FIG. 1. The connection may also be detected by a trace route or a ping. When the computer is not connected to the network, the method 200 may include notifying a user that the computer is not connected to the network, at 204, and then the method 200 may end, at 206.

When the computer is connected to the network, the method 200 can determine properties of the connection to the network, at 208. In a particular embodiment, the properties of the connection may include an IP address. The method 200 may also include monitoring the properties of the connection to the network, at 210.

The method 200 may also include determining if the properties of the connection to the network have changed, at 212. When the properties have not changed, the method 200 may continue to monitor the properties of the connection, at 210. Thus, the method 200 may detect a change in the properties in real-time. In a particular embodiment a change in the properties may be detected when a public IP address is switched to a private IP address. For example, adding a router to the network may switch a public IP address for the computer to a private IP address. In a particular embodiment, detecting a change in the connection may be done automatically by the computer, that is without the detection being initiated by a user.

In a particular embodiment, when the properties have changed, the method 200 may include verifying the connection, at 214. The verifying may include determining if the connection to the public network is still accessible through the service provider.

The connection may be verified by multiple techniques. A first technique may include comparing a subnet address of a new IP address to a subnet address of a previously known IP address. This can determine if the network is still connected to the same service provider when the subnet range from the service provider. A second technique may include using a trace route that shows a list of routers traversed, to allow the user to identify the path taken to reach a particular destination on the network. A third technique may include pinging the service provider by sending a packet to a specified address and waiting for a reply. A fourth technique may include pinging the router by sending a packet to a specified address and waiting for a reply.

When the connection can not be verified, the method 200 may notify the user that the connection could not be verified, at 216, and then end, at 206. In another embodiment, the method 200 may disable access to the connection when the connection can not be verified.

When the connection can be verified, the method 200 may determine if the user wants to configure the network, at 218. In a particular embodiment, a message may be presented to the user to determine if the user want to configure the network. In another embodiment, a setting of the computer or a setting of the software implementing the method 200 may indicate if the user wants to configure the network. For example, the computer or the software may have an option to automatically configure the network when the properties have changed.

When the user does not want to configure the network, the method 200 may end, at 206. When the user does want to configure the network, the method 200 may provide selectable network configuration options, at 220. The configuration options may be presented to a user via a graphical user interface.

The configuration options may include selectable options to configure settings of the router. The configuration options may also include selectable options to repair any problems with the connection. The configuration options may also include selectable options to implement features such as security, file-sharing, and print sharing. The security features may include encryption, a password protection, a firewall, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart of a second illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network is depicted and generally designated 300. The method 300 can be executed via a software module at a computer capable of connecting to the network, such as the computing device 102, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, the handheld device 118, or the wireless device 122 shown in FIG. 1. In a particular embodiment, the method 300 may be implemented as a software module operable to execute during an installation of a service provider installation software.

In a particular embodiment the method 300 may include verifying if a computer is ready for installation of access to a network, at 301. The verifying may include determining if the computer is connected to a network. In a particular embodiment, the computer may be connected to a network through a wireless connection. When the computer is not ready for installation, the method 300 may provide a message to be displayed to the user that the computer is not ready for installation, at 302, and then end, at 303. When the computer is ready for installation, the method 300 may include installing a program to enable access to the network on the computer, at 304. The program may be a software program provided by a service provider to enable access to a public network, such as the internet, through the service provider.

The method 300 may also include detecting if a router is connected to the computer. When a router is not connected to the computer, the method 300 may provide a message to be displayed to the user that a router was not detected, at 307, and then end, at 303. When a router is connected to the computer, the method 300 may provide a message to be displayed to a user indicating that the router was detected, at 308.

In a particular embodiment, a router may be detected by verifying a connection to the service provider. The connection to the service provider may be verified by multiple techniques. A first technique may include comparing a subnet address of a new IP address to a subnet address of a previously known IP address. This can determine if the network is still connected to the same service provider when the subnet range is from the service provider. A second technique may include using a trace route that shows a list of routers traversed, to allow the user to identify the path taken to reach a particular destination on the network. A third technique may include pinging the service provider by sending a packet to a specified address and waiting for a reply. A fourth technique may include pinging the router by sending a packet to a specified address and waiting for a reply.

The method 300 may then include allowing a user to select if they would like to configure network settings, at 309. When the method 300 receives an indication that the user does not want to configure the network settings, the method 300 may end, at 303. When the method 300 receives an indication that the user does want to configure the network settings, the method 300 may provide selectable network configuration options, at 310.

The selectable network configuration options may include options to configure settings of the router. The selectable network configuration options may also include options to repair any problems with a connection between the router and the service provider. The selectable network configuration options may also include selectable options to implement features such as security, file-sharing, or print sharing. The security features may include encryption, a password protection, a firewall, or any combination thereof.

The user message, the user choices/selectable options, and the selectable network configuration options may be presented to a user via a graphical user interface on a display coupled to the computer. The computer and method 300 may receive an indication of a user input from an input device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen, to determine a user selection.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart of a third illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a network is depicted and generally designated 400. The method 400 can be executed via a software module at a computing device capable of connecting to the network, such as the computing device 102, the computer 110, the portable computer 114, the handheld device 118, or the wireless device 122 shown in FIG. 1. In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may be implemented as a software module operable to execute during an installation of a service provider installation software.

The method 400 can include determining that a router, such as the router 106 in FIG. 1, needs to be configured, at 408. In a particular embodiment, the determining may be based on a user selectable network configuration option. In another particular embodiment, the determining may be part of a service provider installation software. In yet another particular embodiment, the determining may be done when a router is added to a network, such as the network shown in FIG. 1. For example, the method 200 or the method 300 may be used to determine if a router needs to be configured.

The method 400 can include determining if the router has a wireless communication capability, at 410. In a particular embodiment, this may be done by comparing a router model number to a known list of router model numbers having a wireless capability. For example, a database listing router model numbers with a wireless communication capability. In another particular embodiment, the method 400 may determine if the router had a wireless communication capability by determining a functionality of the router.

When the router does not have a wireless communication ability, the method 400 may determine if the router needs to be configured, at 412. When the router needs to be configured may be based on current settings of the router, such as security settings, file-sharing settings, print-sharing settings, other configuration options, or any combination of thereof. When the router does not need to be configured, the method may end at 416.

When the router does need to be configured, the method 400 may determine if the user want to proceed with the configuration of the router, at 413. The computer may determine if the user wants to proceed based on an indication of a user input from an input device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen, to determine a user selection. When the user does not want to configure the router, the method 400 may end at 416. When the user does want to configure the router, the method 400 may configure the router, at 414. The router configuration may include configuring security settings, file-sharing settings, print-sharing settings, a router name, an IP address, other configuration options, or any combination of thereof. Router configuration options may be presented to a user via a graphical user interface on a display coupled to the computer and the computer may receive indications of the user's selection. After the router is configured, the method 400 may end, at 416.

When the router is determined to be a wireless router, at 410, the method 400 may detect a security level of the wireless router, at 418. The security level may be one of multiple available security settings of the wireless router, such as a configuration password, a network access key, or a level of data encryption. Different security levels may be attributed to different types of data encryption. For example, a different security level may be attributed to each of a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, a Wi-Fi Protected Access security protocol (WPA), a second generation Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2), and any other type of encryption.

The method 400 may then include determining if the security level is less than a threshold security level, at 420. The threshold security level may be required by a service provider or other party, such as a software vendor. The threshold security level may be set to check for a minimum required security level. When the security level is greater than or equal to the threshold security level, the method 400 may proceed to determine if the router needs to be configured, at 412.

When the security level is less than the threshold security level, the method 400 may present a summary of the security settings to the user, at 422. The summary may be presented to a user via a graphical user interface at a display coupled to the computer In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may include determining if a security level is required, at 424.

When a security level is not required, the method 400 may present an option to change the security level of the router, at 426. In a particular embodiment, the option may be to increase the security level to be a higher level of security than previously implemented in the router. When a determination is made not to increase the security level of the router, the method 400 may proceed to determine if the router needs to be configured, at 412. The determination may be made based on an indication of an input from a user.

When a determination is made to increase the security level, the method 400 may include transmitting a message indicating security options that are available, at 428. The message may be provided to the user via a graphical user interface at a display coupled to the computer. The method 400 may also include receiving a user input based on a selection of a security level, at 430.

The method 400 may include increasing the security level of the router, at 432. In a particular embodiment, the security level may be increased based on the user selection of a security level, at 430. In another particular embodiment, when a security level is required, at 424, the method 400 may automatically, without receiving a user input, increase the security level, at 432. The security level may be increased to be equal to or greater than a minimum required security level. In yet another particular embodiment, when a security level is required, at 424, the method 400 may proceed to transmit a message indicating security options that are available, at 428. The message may indicate that the detected security level is below the threshold and must be increased to permit access to the network. The method 400 may also transmit a message to a network provider indicating that the security level is below the threshold. The minimum required security may be required by a service provider when a user enables a wireless network.

After the security level has been increased, the method 400 may transmit a message to be displayed to the user indicating the implemented security level, at 434. In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may transmit a message to a network provider indicating that the security level is equal to or greater than the threshold. The method 400 may then proceed to configure other router settings, at 414.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, the present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions to perform the methods described herein.

The term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical medium, such as a disc drive or tapes or other storage device. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 

1. A method operable by a processor in a computing device, the method comprising: installing a software program on the computing device, the software program to provide access to a network; detecting, during installation of the software program, a router coupled to the computing device; detecting data to indicate that the router is to be configured; and providing configuration options for the router.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising verifying that the computing device is ready for installation of the software program to provide access to the network.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising transmitting a message to a display coupled to the computing device indicating that the router was detected.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting the router by verifying a connection to a service provider.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the data comprises a security level of the router.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the security level is selected from one of a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access security protocol (WPA), and second generation Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2).
 7. A method comprising: monitoring properties of a connection between a computing device and a network in real-time; detecting a change in the properties of the connection; verifying the connection to the network is provided by a specific service provider when the change in the properties is detected; and providing network configuration options based on the change.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the change in the properties comprises a new router coupled to the computing device.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the change in the properties comprises a security level change in a router coupled to the computing device.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the change in the properties comprises an internet protocol address change in a wireless router coupled to the computer device.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising detecting a security level of the wireless router and determining when the security level is below a threshold.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising transmitting a message indicating that the detected security level below the threshold must be increased to permit access to the network.
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising transmitting a message to a network provider indicating that the security level is below the threshold.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising increasing the security level to be equal to or greater than the threshold.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising transmitting a message to a network provider indicating that the security level is equal to or greater than a threshold.
 16. A system comprising: a transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; and a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to: monitor properties of a connection between the transceiver and a network in real-time; detect a change in the properties of the connection; verify the connection to the network is provided by a specific service provider when the change in the properties is detected; and provide network configuration options.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the change in the properties comprises a security level of the network.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein the change in the properties further comprises a change in an internet protocol (IP) address assigned to access the network; and wherein the connection is verified by comparing an IP address subnet to a previously known IP address subnet.
 19. The system of claim 16 wherein the network configuration options include selectable options related to at least one function selected from the group of security, file-sharing, and print-sharing.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein the system comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, and a cellular phone.
 21. A computer-readable medium having instructions for causing a processor to execute a method comprising: installing a software program on a computing device, the software program to provide access to a network; detecting, during installation of the software program, a router coupled to the computing device; and detecting data to indicate that the router is to be configured.
 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 further comprising instructions for causing a processor to execute a method comprising: detecting if the router is a wireless router; and detecting a security level of the wireless router.
 23. The computer readable medium of claim 21 wherein the software program comprises an activation program for an internet service provider.
 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 further having instructions for detecting in real-time when a router has been coupled to the computing device.
 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 further comprising instructions for causing a processor to execute a method comprising: monitoring properties of a connection between a computing device and a network in real-time; detecting a change in the properties of the connection; verifying the connection to the network is provided by a specific service provider when the change in the properties is detected; and providing network configuration options based on the change. 